Skanda, the General of Indra’s Army – Stories from Aranyaka Parva

We read about the birth of Skanda in the previous story. 

Rishi Markandeya continued his story of how Skanda was gifted the necessary weapons and items to become the general of Indra’s army and tackled the asuras who attacked the devas. 

Airavata, Indra’s white celestial elephant, had two bells named Vaijayanti. Indra gave one bell to Skanda and another to Vishaka. The pennants of both were red in color. Skanda (Mahasena) played with these objects as he sat surrounded by his various companions. 

After Skanda was made the general of Indra’s army, a happy Shiva went to Bhadravata (located to the east of Kailasa) with Parvati (Uma). Their chariot was pulled by a thousand lions. The navagrahas, Kubera, and the guhyakas walked in front of the chariot while Vrishadhvaja and Indra followed behind. A yaksha named Amogha was on the right side with other yakshas, rakshasas, and jambhakas (demons), as well as Maruts, Vasus, Rudras, and other devas. Yama and Mrithyu followed behind but surrounded the group from all sides. Behind them was Shiva’s bow, Vijaya (this was gifted to Parasurama, who later gave it to Karna). 

Varuna too followed them. Shiva’s other weapons, like the spear, maces, clubs, etc., trailed behind Vijaya alongside his umbrella and kamandalu (water pot). Shiva’s staff, Sri, Brighu, Angiras, and other gods followed as well while worshipping the staff. The rivers, trees, rishis, gandharvas, nagas, and women too joined the traveling group. The women sprinkled flowers. Paranjaya also followed. The moon held an umbrella over Shiva as Agni and Vayu held the whisks on either side. Gouri, Vidya, Gandhari, Keshini, and Mitrasahrya followed Parvati with Savitri in the rear. The rakshasas were at the front, controlled by Pingala, Shiva’s yaksha friend. 

Shiva traveled accompanied by such a large troop. Though they knew the destination, the path was erratic. Shiva would move from one end of the group to another at random. Mahasena (Skanda) was also a part of this troop. Shiva went to where Mahasena was and told him to always protect the seven corps of the Maruts. Skanda asked what else he should do. 

Shiva said that Skanda should see him (Shiva) in every task he undertook so that it would ensure his (Skanda’s) welfare. Hugging him, Shiva told Skanda he could go (to where he was required). Skanda left. 

The next instant, a blazing portal kind of thing opened up. Everyone was bewildered when an army came out of it like a huge mass of clouds. Weapons were hurled at the gods and Shiva by the approaching army. The devas began to scatter and were being killed by the army of asuras. Indra encouraged his army to fight and be courageous. He charged ahead at the asuras. The Maruts, Vasus, Sadhyas, and other devas banded together to fight the asura army. However, the asura army was powerful and soon gained the upper hand over the gods. 

Mahisha rushed to the chariot and grabbed it. The maharishis fainted. Despite the chaos around him, Shiva didn’t kill Mahisha since he knew it was Skanda’s job. Mahisha was sure of his win when Shiva didn’t react. 

Then, Skanda arrived, dressed in red clothes and golden armor, and fury raging in his eyes. Seeing his aura, the asura army wavered. They began to grow doubtful of their win. Mahasena hurled a spear at Mahisha. It killed the asura in an instant. He hurled the spear again and again. It would kill a bunch of asuras and return to him every time. Soon, he alone destroyed the entire asura army that attacked the gods. 

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and worshipped Skanda for saving their lives. Satisfied, Shiva and Parvati resumed their journey. Indra embraced Skanda and said that he killed Mahisha, a powerful asura who had been harassing them after receiving a boon from Brahma. He said that he would be Skanda’s famous first deed, and his glory would be eternal. Indra then went to Shiva and took his blessings. Shiva told Indra to treat Skanda as he would treat him (Shiva, as a powerful god, not just the general of his army). Thus, Agni’s son became the mighty general of Indra’s army and was worshipped by everyone. 

Rishi Markandeya concluded by saying that those who heard this story would obtain prosperity and a place in Skanda’s world afterward.